Hey there! Let me introduce you to your new favorite breakfast: Maple Pecan Overnight Oats. This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you’re craving something sweet, nourishing, and full of fall flavors—but don’t want to fuss around in the kitchen. I created this as a quick, make-ahead option for busy mornings, but trust me, it’s just as delightful when you’re savoring a slow weekend brunch.
If you’re in need of a grab-and-go breakfast that’s packed with flavor, these overnight oats are calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Prep: Just mix, chill, and serve! Prep them the night before, and your morning’s made.
- Wholesome Ingredients: These oats are full of fiber and healthy fats from the oats and pecans, plus natural sweetness from maple syrup.
- Totally Customizable: You can switch up the toppings or even make it dairy-free. I’ll give you some fun variation ideas below!
Ingredients Breakdown
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: For the best texture, avoid quick oats—they’ll turn mushy. Rolled oats will soak up the liquid but still have a bit of chew.
- Milk: You can use dairy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or any other variety you prefer.
- Maple syrup: This adds that sweet, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on how sweet you like things!
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a protein boost. You can skip this or swap for dairy-free yogurt if needed.
- Pecans: Chopped for a delightful crunch that complements the maple flavor gorgeously.
- Cinnamon: A dash of warmth that ties everything together—feel free to add more if you’re like me and obsessed with cinnamon!
- Chia seeds (optional): For extra fiber and a thicker texture, I love tossing in a spoonful of chia seeds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup milk of your choice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional), 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle in some chopped pecans—about 1 to 2 tablespoons—stirring briefly to distribute them evenly.
- Chill Overnight: Cover the bowl or jar and refrigerate the oats overnight (or for at least 4 hours). This allows the oats to soak up all the flavors and soften to the perfect texture.
- Serve: In the morning, give them a good stir. Add an extra splash of milk if the oats are too thick for your liking, then top with more pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for that final touch of indulgence.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Customize Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your preference. You can even try honey or agave syrup if you’re running low on maple syrup!
- Crunchy Pecans: If you love extra crunch, toast your pecans before adding them to the oats. It’ll give a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Extra Creamy: For a creamier consistency, try using a little extra yogurt and reducing the amount of milk.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based yogurt and non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk, to keep this recipe completely dairy-free.
- Add Fruits: Want to make this breakfast even more delightful? Add fresh sliced bananas, apples, or berries on top to brighten it up.
- Nut Butter Twist: Drizzle some almond or pecan butter over your finished oats for an extra decadent breakfast experience.
FAQs
- Can I leave out the yogurt? Yes! If you’d prefer to skip the yogurt, just add an additional 1/4 cup of milk to maintain the right texture.
- How long can I store these overnight oats? They keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, though the texture will thicken more the longer they sit. Just add a little milk when you’re ready to eat if they seem too thick.
- Can I use steel-cut oats? I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe—they won’t soften enough overnight without cooking. Stick with rolled or old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
Maple Pecan Overnight Oats
Servings: 1 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Chill Time: 4 hrs to overnight
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, plus more for topping
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp chopped pecans
Instructions:
- In a bowl or jar, combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds (if using), maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir together until well mixed.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- In the morning, stir the oats, and if needed, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Top with more pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup before serving. Enjoy!
Conclusion
And there you have it—Maple Pecan Overnight Oats that are as cozy as they are convenient. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, or share your spin on this classic combo. Oh, and if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see how you’re making everyday breakfasts more fun.
